NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Occupational hazards of laser material processing.

Rockwell RJ Jr.; Wilson RM; Jander S; Dreffer R

College of Medicine of the University of Cincinnati 1976 May; :1-36

https://ntrl.ntis.gov/NTRL/dashboard/searchResults/titleDetail/PB89186530.xhtml

00115376

The occupational hazards associated with laser materials processing are reviewed. Industrial laser materials processing users were surveyed and the nature and scope of use were defined. Tabulated sales projections for industrial laser applications over 8 years are presented. Numbers, types and applications of laser use are given. Processes and materials for which laser applications are outlined. Types of lasers used for various operations, breakdown of laser types, wavelengths for the most common laser types, laser safety measures, and accidents reported also are given. General safety practices are discussed. A study on the degradation of polymers by carbon-dioxide lasers is described. The respiratory hazards of particles from laser interactions with metals are discussed, and tabulated data is included on respirable particles produced by various materials and on the weight per laser pulse of captured material. Safety considerations, potential hazards, and recommended safety practices are described. The authors conclude that hazardous gases can be produced in carbon-dioxide cutting of plastics. Sufficient quantities of respirable particulates are released during ruby laser drilling of metals to constitute a hazard. Proper ventilation is required for laser material processing systems to reduce these hazards.

NIOSH-Grant; Occupational-medicine; Industrial-hygiene; Laser-radiation; Combustion-products; Toxic-gases; Personal-protective-equipment

Dermatology Cincinnati General Hospital Dept of Dermatology Cincinnati, Ohio 45229

19760521

Final Grant Report

121059

Grant

1976

PB89-186530

A04

Grant-Number-R01-OH-00371

OEP

College of Medicine of the University of Cincinnati

OH

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio